“You may have the universe if I may have Italy”. Giuseppe Verdi What a perfect quote to summarize the unique and inspiring feelings one gets when you visit Italy. From Rome to Florence, from Naples to Turin and Milan, from sea to mountains Italy is something else. For a lot of the British public in particular, when you think of a classic ski holiday, we automatically think of France or Austria but there are those among us Brits that are, in the know, so to speak. I spend my life in the mountains and most of my year in Italy and and although all these resorts are virtually on my doorstep, I still consider myself immensely lucky to visit these resorts. Not only because I have the benefit of gazing up at the ore inspiring scenery but also because I can discover the most secrets lines!

Situated on the French/Italian border, at the mouth on the Monte Bianco tunnel, Courmayeur is blessed with tree lined runs, restaurants and bars to rival any major Italian city and scenery for days! Let’s break it down by what’s important as we only want a small summary: you can pick up a pizza and a beer and lunch for about 15€in total, the lift passes are moderately priced but the freeride potential, man, that’s where courmayeur stands out. Taking the James Bond style cable car up to Cresta Youla and beyond to the tippy top and Cresta Arp, you are greeted with the feeling of being top of the world, staring down into the wild, deserted, unpopulated backcountry area. For more info on where to stay, head to the tourism website or check out Air b&b. Be sure to be up first lift and enjoy a full days ski to take in everything this amazing resort has to offer.

A real secret spot, a hidden gem, nestled in the heart of the Aosta Valley, Gressoney is slowly receiving the notoriety it deserves on the freeride scene. However, selfishly, many of us who know and love the resort, would rather this resort stay in the shadows. Home to a freeride zone full of countless lines. By taking a few lifts away from the main body of the resort, you have unprecedented access to breathtaking views and really exciting terrain. The freeride zone is home of amazing open faces above the tree line, jumps and cliffs plus many a touring adventures! So, Pizza and beer wise? A little cheaper, you’re looking about 12€, ideal to save some pennies as there is no apres ski either. Although, after a day shredding the freeride zone, no doubt you will be heading for a chilled beer in front on the fire, back at your accommodation. For more info, click here to head to the tourism website.

Pila, oh Pila, a resort that is very close to my heart. As you climb the mountain and the valley drops away behind, it reveals the most imposing mountain range. With impeccable tree lined runs, perfect corduroy runs, steep, dotted with mouth watering bars and restaurants plus some amazing backcountry lines, you have a recipe for the Italian Dolce Vita! As freeriders we pay little attention to the piste but pila is worth having a little shred, the runs are a little steeper than the rest of the valley and with the literally PERFECTLY groomed piste, you can really let your hair down and accelerate. It’s rather funny, whenever i visit, with my freeride friends in tow, we cause a lot of stress of the piste police, ripping around at full speed, to take advantage on the conditions. Heading up to the Couis 2 chair lift, you have 360 views of The Matterhorn, Monte Bianco, Gran San Bernard and Monte Rosa, the most impressive panorama! Watch out for the secret freeride spots around Couis 1 and Couis 2, grab your touring equipment and head on up! Grab a pizza and a beer for around 10€ here and stay cheap too! Click here to visit the tourism website!

Chamois lives in the shadow of Cervinia but we like is that way, included on the Cervinia pass but just 20 minutes down the road, Chamois is a locals secret! Chamois has long since been the spot that local freeriders head too, a day or 2 after a large fall to enjoy the undisturbed peace and tranquility above the clouds. Noone skies Chamois after a big snowfall which is the biggest shame/gift! The pass is cheaper and you can snap up the pizza and a lunch time beer for about 10€. We have driven down to enjoy the touring/snowshoeing opportunities and we have not been disappointed with the conditions. You still have the incredibly iconic views of the Matterhorn which is a true sight for sore eyes! Click here for more info.

Bordering with the sensational resort of La Rosiere, La Thuile is a really eclectic mix of the Italian and the French! La Thuile offers challenging piste skiing and the difficulty level is nicely reflected in the backcountry. I am always stoked to see when pro riders film in La Thuile which the Petit brother did back in 2015, they found some amazing spots, great pillow lines and other exciting features just waiting to be discovered. Your pizza and beer lunch will be about €15 here, prices on the mountain are a little more expensive due to the growing tourist industry in the resort but that also means after a longs days shredding, there will be plenty of life in the pubs for some Italian style apres ski! Stay in the planibel complex to keep the cost down or treat yourself to a cozy chalet, either way, more info can be found on the tourism website!

Okay, so basically this list is narrowed down to just the Aosta Valley but after 7 seasons in the area, you get to know a thing or 2; that is what freeriding is all about, sharing the knowledge, the secrets and the low. After all, the Aosta Valley is a gem in the southern alps.

Be sure to hit me up with a message if you want to know more, I am here to answer any questions you may have about the area. Be sure to send me your images if you have been before! I would LOVE TO SEE!

Until next time. . .

Big love to the Aosta Valley tourist board for the images! For further details on the creds, message me!

Long time no speak, So sorry for sucking with the blog as of late. I know I have been absolutely useless with letting you know what I am up too and talking though the issues of the world!

Not to worry as I am totally back on it, I have some blogs stock piled and ready to go in the run up to Christmas. But until then, I need your help! My blog has been selected to be shortlisted for the Trespass Blog Awards! All you have today, is head online, following the link http://www.trespass.com/blog-awards-nominations.

Stay tuned for tomorrow and I will be bringing you an update on filming and being back in the mountains.

The calendar is out, it has been unveiled and now the athletes can big their rigorous training regime to ensure they can pip the others to the post and WIN the champions freeride comp.

This year, more so than ever, the FWT team should use every comp stop as a chance to celebrate the lives of the 2 incredible riders that we lost this year, Estelle Balet and Matilda Rapaport. The Freeride World Tour and the Freeride World Qualifiers- that I am a part of are, in their essence, an insanely awesome competition series to be a part of. There is, generally speaking, a lot of LOVE, FRIENDSHIP and GENUINE SUPPORT AND HAPPINESS FOR THE SUCCESS OF OTHER PARTICIPANTS. That is another reason why the freeride world is separate to that of the freestyle. The vibes are great and seen as we a small but buzzing industry, we are about the celebration of this progressive and demanding sport which is FREEride. Estelle and Matilda would want everyone in the FWT and FWQ to continue, with a sense of mindfulness and a new understanding for the elements. These ladies were pioneers and continued to push females in the sport, even to their last days. That is why, this year, let us rejoice that we ever had the honor, the pleasure and the experience of having met or ridden with this incredible women.

So the set up is as followers:

HAMONIX-MONT-BLANC, FRANCE
28.01.2017

VALLNORD-ARCALÍS, ANDORRA
11.02.2017

FIEBERBRUNN, AUSTRIA04.03.2017

HAINES, ALASKA, USA17.03.2017

VERBIER, SWITZERLAND01.04.2017

Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get the updates when they come in! Then when the dates come along, as I can assure you they will quickly, the summer is already escaping us which is crazzaaayyyyy! before we know it, we will be tuning in to watch the FWT athletes show the world why they are some of the most ore inspiring athletes in the world.

I hope all is well. I am so excited about this project I have been working on and I just had to tell you guys all about it! I have created a brief for you guys to have a look at so you know what’s coming.

Now some of you will know that a good few years ago now I lived and worked in Riva at the northern most tip of Lake Garda. Last year I was of course in Bardolino but Riva will be where my heart lies. It is steeped in natural beauty and with a wealth of culture and undeniable summer vibes, I simply had to head back there for my next filming project.

This summer, I am making a real focus towards health, well being and vitality. Riva was always a place where felt all those concepts came together. Don’t get me wrong, within the context on “Summer Training” I don’t train like this all summer, but the edit will show some activities you can do to stay fit and healthy during the down season. You don’t need the literally incredible back drop of Lake Garda for running, yoga and MTB but for the purpose of project, it certainly helps.

I will be blogging, Snapchatting and instagramming the whole week so I hope you beautiful people will come with me on my adventures. Add Snapchat “Angelica Sykes” and follow me on Instagram @angelicasykesuk.

I am also really stoked to hang out with a coll crew. With a couple of my besties living out there, I simply can’t wait to kick back and enjoy a little slice of summer heaven with them!

Summer Training Edit- How to Stay Season Fit and Keep Motivated During The Summer Months 🌊

Music: ” The Work” By Rudimental and Beating Heart (I am close with the production company that made the record so I can use this awesome summer tune!) Check it out on YouTube now!

Notes: Strong photography, emphasis on the natural beauty of the area and inner and outer strength on females in sport- big smiles and lots of love!

Layout and Over View:

This edit will be set in one of my favourite spots in the world. Riva Del Garda is drenched in natural beauty and is steeped in sporting opportunity. At the most northern point of Lake Garda it has ideal conditions for some of my favourite sports. I want the edit to show how hard athletes work in the off season to ensure they stay season fit, this means the summer is really valuable to keep you at the top of your game. I have myself been working on toning up and improving my muscle mass and becoming lighter in general so the activities in the edit will show how to make this happen. The brands involved are ones that share the same love- a love for the outdoors, staying active and being in nature. Sweaty Betty will bring the style element to yoga and paddle boarding, allowing your personality to show with big prints. Vaude makes eco friendly, practical and great pieces for MTB, showing how you can still show your feminine side in a very manly sport. Sungod make the best and most awesome sunnies, you can customise your lenses and frames to match your personality. Naturya will help me show the nutritional back ground to the theme; going vegan was obviously an important progression in my training however it doesn’t mean everyone has to follow suit, although diet and nutrition is massively important in complimenting a great workout regime. The food is incredible on the lake and the wealth of natural, fresh produce is ample- I am thinking fruity morning smoothies and lots of bright and happy food.

Day 1- Afternoon arrival. Jog along the lake front to Torbole then surf club for drinks with the girls.

Day 2- Early Morning Yoga, followed by Paddle Boarding. Wind Surfing in the afternoon.

I LOVE CERVINIA! IT’S MY FAVORITE RESORT IN THE WORLD. Finally I can get that off my chest.

Oh wait, You already knew that? I’ve said it before on like every blog post I have ever made? Oh. Right. Well when you feel love like this, you just cant stay quiet about it, you must shout about it from the roof tops or mountain tops. . . . . oh man, I need to get myself a boyfriend haha!

Any who!-Thought I would share this little video from the “LoveVDA” YouTube Channel.

I have written a little paragraph on all the topics you would need to know as a Seaonnaire, a tourist and beyond. Lift Pass types, bars, restaurants, freeride and slopes, plus much more, you can find it all out here!

This little edit shows you are easy and fast it is to use FATMAP. Available to download via smart phone and android, you can start exploring as soon as you are ready, the app will be there for your journey.

Let’s face it, you are going to look sooo much cooler showing your mates all the information available on the app instead of faffing around with a paper map. You don’t even have to tell them that you found the weather and avalanche info from FATMAP, or that you know the best shortcut to get to the apres spot, let them think you have a head full of info!

Check out this edit, It’s going to tell you everything you need to know and why you should “Make The Switch”.

This valley used to be somewhere I just visited with my family while growing up. Every year without fail, heading to my favorite destinations, Champoluc, Courmayer and beyond. My parents certainly fell in love, thus why we continued to go back. My affair began to spark too! I just can’t get enough of the culture, the food, the atmosphere and above all the breathtaking mountain back drop. This is why, no matter where my career as a Pro Snowboarder takes me, I will ALWAYS have a base here, IT IS HOME. Whenever I leave, I leave a part of myself and a part of my history on how i came to me the athlete I am today. If anyone ever asks, why the Aosta Valley, I can refer them to these links.

Are you ready for the first of its kind, the UK pioneers of a women’s only ski and snowboard brand, for women by women! We can now say, bye bye butterflies, bye bye poker dots and certainly bye bye to gratuitous amounts of pink! Snooks, is a loud and proud brand, flying the flag for the Made in Britain label.

I wanted to take a bit of time to tell all you lovely readers of the Ski Club GB blog, about these ladies because they are starting something that has been long over due. I don’t want to go on a rant about the boundaries and separations in the Snow sports industry, as Susie Beere and Sophie Kelly are not about that, they are not so concerned about the boys; they are more of the `Boys, you do you`, mind set, Susie and Sophie are about looking after the best interest of us girls while out on the mountain.

Who are Snooks and How did they come about?

Sick of buying from the men’s sections, the girls noticed a gap in the market. For myself, I have never been a fan of what I call the “Eurofit”- although I am thoroughly proud of my body, I don’t want my snowboard gear to emphasise the curves, that’s for Friday nights in Leeds. Most of what is available on the market doesn’t, for example, cover your bum, feel loose but comfortable around your chest and hips and worst of all, shows what you ate for breakfast. Snooks is for girls who like a more edgy, cool and relaxed fit, which doesn’t seem to be so readily available for girls. Then Susie and Sophie had a little conflab and decided it was the right time to start a business together; a company that would focus on the concept of- for women, by women- and I think these ladies have it bang on so far.

What is the drive and why is the “Made In Britain” label so important?

The first range is focussed on fit and that is the essential idea that started the whole concept. Then Sophie and Susie addressed some of the most important factors in fit and naturally, headed off the tailors first. They worked together to design something that’s practical and obviously super cute, products that allow plenty of room for layers underneath while still being flattering and comfortable. They manufacture outerwear in the UK, ensuring their gear is super high quality and they are proud to carry the Made in Britain label- these days this label means a lot more, being more environmentally friendly and promoting that all important British craftsmanship.

Susie says, “We hope to grow as a brand that not only represents the female skiers and snowboarders we design for and break down some gender stereotypes that have passed their sell by date… We understand that most female riders don’t want gear covered in pink butterflies, glitter and pretty flowers. Female riders are about way more than that.” Boom, well said Susie!

What so important about promoting women over men?

Sophie says, “It is important to us to celebrate women’s achievements in action sports, especially snowboard and skiing, whether it’s British athletes smashing it on the podium, or your first timer stacking it on a kicker. Hey at least you tried! We want to reflect this in our marketing. Representative not idealistic. . . . ”

I think men have it covered, in the UK in particular, we have some incredible male athletes in the snow sports sector, Billy Morgan, Jamie Woods to name but two, showing the world what British athletes have to offer but now its time for a little female promotion. That Is what Snooks want, as a brand they want to shout about female achievement, however little or big, yayyy for the lasses!

How does the Future look for Snooks?

Winter 2016/17 looks like its going to be THE winter for these girls. Now live online with their first line we can get in there and get our outfits for next winter sorted with some awesome prices. These ladies will be touring across the country, so that everyone will get the chance to find out a little bit more about this amazing brand. Watch this space as Snooks- Madness in the Method is coming for you!

Finally, it seems winter has returned to us and I couldn’t be happier. Every thing seems to be falling into place which means its time to get my focus back onto filming and making this all girls edit happen. The lovely Tijn is bringing her Dutch Freeriding butt back to me so we can have a few days getting as much done as we can. I am so looking forward to a fun packed schedule, which I am just refining as we speak. The weather seems to be on our side for the most part, giving us 2 weather windows on Monday and Tuesday- giving us a chance to do some helidrops, ski all my favourite lines and do some very much deserved eating and drinking. With the help of the locals and some of my favourite spots in town and on the mountain, we should be able to get some much needed material, to showcase this incredible town. Tijn will be back in the end of March and then we can continue filming and perhaps expand our efforts to my other top spots of Courmayeur, Champoluc and Gressoney. Until then, check out our schedule and if you are around come and join us!

Sunday (Bad Vis Day, Snow and unstable conditions)

– Sun Rise Yoga session

-Early Morning Tour up to Cielo Alto then descend to the Cielo Alto Lift

So its that time of the weekly/semi regular posts. Things have been crazy busy lately between coming back from Verbier and going straight to Pila to work I am just now settling back into some semblance of a normal life. I am a lazy girl at heart so I have been craving for some me time, just sitting, no small talk no instgram, just either a book or a film and quiet time.

During all the fun days shredding around on the mountain and drinking beers with good friends and interacting with certain people, I have been thinking a lot about this positive body image. By that I don’t just mean me trying to be like my size 8 friends or trying to compete with people in town for who is the best on the mountain, I mean a sense of mental and physical comfort in myself. I have spent years never feeling truly right, truly comfortable.

People say that there comes a point in your twenties when you start to care less and not put so much importance on the opinion of others regarding who you are, but genuinely believing in yourself. That is slowly starting to happen, and my god its a long time coming. I am trying to nurture this part of me that sees me for how I want to be seen. Having the idea and the notion that athletes come in different variations of muscular form, different stature but none the less impressive.

Learning to believe that positive body images comes from mental strength and not just a physical. When that mental strength comes and so will the physical.

I used to think I had to hear someone say how slim I was or how I wasn’t fat or even have a boy acknowledge how pretty and sexy I was, but I don’t care. I just don’t, any more.

Success is coming to me in my career as I have begun to feel less inadequate. I now feel that if you don’t know; how hard I have worked, how ambitious I am, how driven I am, how impressive I am both physically and mentally,

then, well, you do you but you wont have me as a companion. I am awesome, I am strong and I am beautiful so that’s that really.

Training lately hasn’t been anything too exotic. It’s been my regular combination of trail running 2 or 3 times a week mixed with yoga sessions as much as I can cram them in, even if its a 20 minute apres ski session or an indulgent mediation session, I still feel it helps feed my soul. In terms of on the mountain training, we are trying to ride as fast and as crazy as possible even if I do make rookie errors, like I did today- You can’t ride box on your toe edge. . . . . . I am trying to gather as much technique as I can to employ my #gobigorgohome mentality, readying myself for the comps in all conditions even if that means riding s***f*** which is what is on offer currently.

The next adventure will take me to Artesina Freeride Fest in just about 2 weeks. This will be the perfect laid back chilled environment for me to test some on my new tricks and put my new mentality to the test. Not only that but I am beyond excited to have my awesome roommates coming to compete with me. I know they are going to smash it, but together we can plan lines,talk cliffs and drops and take that mountain by storm.